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Archive for May, 2010

Wednesday 26th May 7.00 pm-8.30pm at St Francis Church Centre Wretham Rd

B19 1EB. 

There will be updates from the Lozells Neighboourhood Police Team, the new GP practgice at Finch Rd Medical Centre, Family HOusiing Association and the Lozells Neighbourhood Manager

Lozells Youth Inclusion Project 2 Graham Street, Lozells, Birmingham B19 1QY

T: 0782 44 33 531

E: info@lozellsyip.org.uk

Lozells YIP works with 13-16 year olds to reduce offending, truancy and exclusion. The program focuses on the young people who are most at risk. The aim is to make sure they stay included in mainstream society.The Junior youth inclusion project is part of the programm. It has been set up to help people between 8 and 12 years old by addressing issues like truancy from school, exclusion, anti-social behaviour, offending and welfare. he Youth Inclusion Program is supported by the Birmingham Youth Offending Service, Youth Justice Board, Lozells Recreation Group, Birmingham Youth Service and the City Council.

website

Nelson Mandela with Benjamin Zephaniah who grew up in Lozells

Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah – born 1958, grew up in Jamiaca and Lozells.  He is a famous poet and writer; a Rastafarian, a vegan and and a Villa fan.  His books include Pen Rhythm, The Dread Affair, City Psalms, Talking Turkeys, Propa Propaganda and Gangsta Rap and he has also made records of dub poetry.  In 2003, he turned down the award of an OBE (Order of the British Empire) saying that it reminded him of the oppression of his forefathers and mothers at the hands of the British Empire.  He is recognised as one of the best writers alive today.

Who’s Who from Talking Turkeys:

I used to think nurses Were women,
I used to think police
Were men,
I used to think poets
Were boring,
Until I became one of them….

website

Soweto Kinch - born in 1978 in London - is a MOBO award winning jazz musician and a rapper who lives in the Handsworth area and formed his first band in Lozells.   His latest  second album is ‘A Day in the Life of B19: Tales of The Towerblock’. 

Here’s what he has to say about B19 – about the talent and creativity that exists in the community – talking on the Birmingham’s Grassroots Channel:

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